The Celtics’ nightmare 2026 NBA trade deadline scenario that ruins a surprise season

The Boston Celtics‘ season turned out much differently than expected, and it probably will the 2026 NBA trade deadline was also reflected February 5. The Celtics entered the year without their best player, Jayson Tatum. The six-time All-Star tore his Achilles tendon in last year’s playoffs, forcing him to sit out this year. Because of this, the Celtics went through a mini rebuild in the offseason.

High paid and important players like Kristaps Porzingis and Jrue Holiday was traded in an effort to control the team’s finances a year ago in which it was not expected to compete. Al Horford was also released in free agency and it became clear that Boston would give younger players a chance. Many called this a breakout year, and expectations were that Boston would contend again once Tatum was healthy in 2026-27.

Instead, the Celtics were one of the surprise teams of the season. Boston is still in second place in the Eastern Conference standings, and they could certainly push for an NBA Finals appearance even without Tatum, especially since the other teams in the East have either been disappointing or have their own injury issues. Jaylen Brown became a megastar, and role players stepped up their games.

Earlier in the season, many thought the Celtics would be trade term sellersand that they will continue to back away from contracts and players who may not be a part of their foreseeable future. Anfernee Simmons is one such example. It has been added to the Holiday Trade. Although he is cheaper and younger than Holiday, his contract is expiring, so many thought the Celtics would move him for even more future capital before he had a chance to break free.

However, the Celtics’ success has turned their trading philosophy upside down and now they need to keep Simmons. Trading the former Portland Trail Blazers guard would be a nightmare, as it would jeopardize their chances of reaching the NBA Finals this year in a surprisingly successful season.

Trading Anfernee Simmons would be a trade deadline nightmare

Simmons is still the most likely Celtic to be moved. While moving him made sense at one point, it would be a mistake where the team is now. Boston should hang on to Simmons even if it means losing him in free agency. The guard who entered the NBA straight out of IMG Academy served as the team’s sixth spark plug.

He averages 14 points per game and shoots 40.2% from the bench. These impressive numbers come despite the fact that he got off to a slow start. Simmons is a perfect fit for what the Celtics do offensively. He can quickly process defensive reads and react by swinging the basketball toward teammates or launching shots from beyond the arc. Without him on the roster, in Boston championship odds would be greatly reduced.

The former first-rounder could potentially even contribute to the team once Tatum returns. He’s only 26 years old, so he definitely fits into the team’s timeline. Simmons averaged 22.6 points per game just two seasons ago. While playing for the Celtics means sacrificing numbers for the betterment of the team, Boston can rest easy knowing they have a top scorer on their roster who can produce much more than the average bench player.

Avoiding the second apron has been a priority for Boston this year, but they may be willing to re-sign Simmons and spend big in the years to come, as they have in years past. The only context in which it would be okay to trade Simmons is if they got a comparable player in return. Said player would have to be on a multi-year deal and therefore can continue to help the team this year and remain a part of the team’s long-term plans. Preferably, this player would be a center. However, in all likelihood, a trade involving Simmons would likely net the team smaller players and future draft capital. The Celtics should hang on to Simmons at this year’s trade deadline.